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Celebrating Independence Day

Ever wish you could whisper in the president's ear? Give him advice on issues plaguing the nation? Well, here's your chance to tell the world what you would do if you were president of the United States. Twice weekly, we'll ask our readers a question about an issue facing the nation and post your responses here.

Today's topic:

Celebrations are planned across the country to commemorate July 4th, from backyard barbeques to major celebrations in the nation's biggest cities. A record number of people also are expected to hit the road this holiday weekend to start their summer vacations, according to travel organization AAA.

Presidents throught our nation's history have celebrated Independence Day in a variety of ways, from hosting military parades to vacationing at Camp David. This year, President Bush plans to spend at least part of his day visiting troops and families at Fort Bragg, N.C.

If YOU were president, where would you go for Independence Day, and how would you celebrate our nation's 230th birthday?

Click on the links in the boxes on the right to read recent stories on this topic, then e-mail us at speakout@foxnews.com.

Check our what FOX Fans are saying:

"If I were President I would make another secret trip to Iraq and spend it with our troops who are spreading what the 4th of July means to us." —Curtis (Sand Springs, Oklahoma)

"If I was President I would spend Independence Day on my horse ranch in North Alabama having a bar-b-que and rodeo for my neighbors." — Carolyn (Selma, Alabama )

"If I were president of the United States, I would invite 230 of the loudest critics of my administration. This would, of course, include some members of Congress and the Senate, some Hollywood celebrities, some media giants, a few ordinary folks who don't really know why they hate me, and a few of my loyal American supporters, to a big old-fashioned Independence Day party, with food, drink and fireworks, at my 15,000-acre ranch in Montana. (That's where my ranch would be, not Texas). We'd have planned outdoor activities such as sack races, baseball games, foot races, horseback riding, fishing derbies, and other low tech fun stuff! It would be pretty darned difficult to criticize and argue politics, during a sack race, now wouldn't it? This would be my Tribute to America. It would become a day free of politics, forever and ever. Amen. God bless America." — Ruthanne (Newport, OR)

"I'd take my family to Fort A.P. Hill, during the Boy Scout World Jamboree and watch the fireworks there, and encourage the soldiers, and the kids through interaction. It is a truly wonderful event to attend. Boy Scouts from all over the world join together and share their lives. A visit from the president would really do a lot of good." —Sharon S. (Clearlake, CA.)

"If I were president, I would go to Philadelphia. It has so much history from the revolutionary war. The only problem would be to try to tour the city on foot. Security would be hard to keep up with I would think. I would want to walk the city in the areas where are forefathers and patriots walked dined and died." —Mindy (Egg Harbor Twp, NJ)

"If I were president, I would spend the 4th of July with my family because it is families that make America great." — Sid (Dickinson, ND)

"I would visit wounded soldiers and veterans from other wars. I would also visit families of soldiers who had lost their lives. I would keep it private and away from the press. Then I would have a picnic at the White House and invite more families and wounded veterans to join me for good eats and fire works. I would try to be the president that really honors those who serve whether or not the public liked the war that I served during." —Nichol (Bellingham, Wa).

"I'd go to Iraq and spend the day with the people who make Independence Day possible."— Phil (Rensselaer, NY)

"If I were president of the United States, I would open up the south lawn of the White House, and have an old fashioned BBQ, Teddy Roosevelt style. I'd invite ten folks from every state and territory (five Democrats and five Republicans) and arrange for a huge fireworks display and U.S.-shaped cake." — Anonymous

"No one threw a 4th of July party like Teddy Roosevelt." —Jeff (Huntington, WV)

“I would host a celebration of our freedom along with a tribute on July 4th in New York with troops, families of the troops, victim's families, and survivors at the twin towers location. It is because of this tragedy that we are fighting terrorism. It would signify the reality of where we came from and where we are heading, for those who are fighting. I would make sure to include the importance of how being a citizen of the U.S., and not an illegal, is represented in the battles that America fought to become independent. I would end the evening with a fireworks display over the harbor with Lady Liberty close by. This is what people around the world will see and pictures mean a thousand words.” — Rebecca (Dallas, TX)

“If I were president, I'd go to Williamsburg, Virginia — the birthplace of our way of life.” — Tom (Bellaire, TX)

“If I were the president, I would either go to Williamsburg or to the National Cemetery to the unknown soldiers' graves.” — Ella (Blountsville, AL)

"If I were president, I would pay tribute to our men and women in uniform, including the veterans, retirees and their families for the sacrifices they made to protect our freedoms and liberties in this good ole’ USA. I would also make sure that their needs are all taken care of, from healthcare to jobs, ensuring that they become productive members of society once they get out of the service, and that their families are not deprived of the American people's support." — Jade, Arizona

"If I were president, spending time with my troops on July 4th would be my preference. We can all think of parties because our citizens (thanks to our current administration) still have no clue we are at war. If we had called our troops home, we would be finding roadside bombs and rocket propelled missiles flying left and right of us. If you are so naive to think that could not happen here, think again." — Ed (Central Point, OR)

"If I were president, I would visit a small town such as Valparaiso, Indiana. I believe the troops in Iraq would appreciate the president celebrating with small-town USA. That’s what they’re fighting for." — Tom (Bremerton, WA)

"If I were president, I would spend the 4th of July touring America’s great national parks. This is such a uniquely beautiful country, what better way to honor it than by taking in its natural wonders – from the redwoods in California, to the majestic mountains of Colorado, to the great wetlands of Florida." — Alice (Pennsylvania)